AMERICUS — Community male leaders and young males from Americus and Sumter County gathered recently at Phoebe Sumter for the hospital’s annual Ties That Bind luncheon.

The luncheon, which is held annually during Men’s Health Week, is designed as a support system for boys whose fathers may be absent from their lives. Community leaders not only share a meal with the young men, but they also share a tie — a symbol of respectability, distinction, and maturity.

“The event doesn’t just teach the boys how to tie a necktie, but it gives them the opportunity to form a meaningful bond with a role model. A few kind words could be the inspiration one of these boys needs to have dreams and make good choices,” said Marcus Johnson, director, Customer Service & Community Relations, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

This year’s keynote speaker was Americus native Willie Greene, who is currently employed at Middle Flint Behavioral Health Care as one of two Chief Clinical Officers (CCO). A former standout football player for Americus High and then Delta State University, Greene is also an ordained Baptist minister and pastor at Forest Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Dooly County.